Table of Contents
This book is dedicated to my friends in the Holistic Moms Network who are committed to making the world a better place one child at a time. Thank you for all you do.
And of course, to my mother, Priscilla Grimm, who shared her love of reading, and of life, with me. I miss you very much.
Introduction
I have loved books since I was a kid and have spent most of my adult life trying to get other kids, including my own, to love them as well. As an English teacher, childrens librarian, and author, I have always surrounded myself with books; they are as much a part of my life as eating or exercising and a constant source of entertainment. My intention when writing this book was to offer suggestions and strategies for making reading a natural part of your familys life, as it is mine. No expensive products, no gimmicks, no promises, just simple, straightforward ideas for enjoying books in your home with your children.
Because, for me, that has always been the trick. I enjoy reading, and I always have. I dont ever remember having to log my reading minutes, count pages, or ask a parent to sign my reading journal. But the more parents I talk to, the more concern (frenzied fear) there seems to be about reading the right way. Even parents have been duped into thinking kids would benefit from accelerated reading programs or early reading intervention workbooks endorsed by medical experts. The only reading doctor I ever saw went by the name of Seuss and I turned out just fine. Because of that, I did not want this to be just another authoritative opinion on the shelf scaring you with stats and requirements. Reading shouldnt be scary; it should be a pleasure. And that is what we will focus on.
Whether you are an avid reader or wince at the thought of cracking open a novel, whether your kids love reading or roll their eyes the minute you suggest turning off the TV to read, the suggestions and strategies in this book can help you build a literacy-rich home. Dont feel obligated to try every idea or read every book recommendation; in fact, I encourage you not to. I have tried to give enough detail about activities and stories so that you may pick and choose those which sound most appealing. You are the expert on your childs needs; look for ideas that suit your family. Its never too soon, or too late, to start a reading routine. This is not a competition and there is no finish line. Start small, go slowly, and above all else, enjoy the process. Reading with your children is as much about your enjoyment as it is theirs. The only way to raise a reader for life is one book at a time. Jump inthe reading is just fine!
How This Book Is Organized
This book is organized into five parts:
Part 1, Literacy Begins at Home, rolls out the reading welcome mat for you and your family. Everyone is invited to come to the reading party, and I hope you stay for a long while. Part 1 is intended to help you assess where you are as a family of readers, where you want to go, and the best way to get there. Because we are interested in building a literacy-rich home and raising readers for life, I want to make sure you are as comfortable and confident in this endeavor as possible. Part 1 can help set you up for success.
If you are fortunate enough to be reading this book with a baby in your arms or a toddler at your feet, congratulations! Part 2, Crib NotesIntroducing Books to Your Baby and Toddler, is designed with new parents in mind. Here we will take a look at effective ways to introduce your children to books by creating an accessible reading environment and establishing a firm, but always fun, reading routine.
Part 3, I Think I Can, I Think I Can: Encouraging Emergent Readers, focuses on the reader who is just coming into her own. Excited about all of the things she can do by herself, she is anxious to add reading to the list. This is a wonderful opportunity to encourage emergent readers to actively participate in their learning process with hands-on games and family-focused activities geared toward reading fun.
Part 4, The Independent Reader: Leap Into Literature, can help you lighten the reading load. When your reader moves from the Childrens Room to the Young Adult section, his independent spirit can be disarming. Capable of making, or refusing to make, reading choices on his own, youll want to re-evaluate your current reading routine and look for ways to continue sharing reading, and your values, without cramping his newfound style.
Part 5, Tweens, Teens, and the Reading Scene: Young Adult Audiences, takes a final look at ways to keep reading together and talks about the all-important transition from required reader to reader for life. Hopefully, with all of your hard work and dedication you can truly call books a good family friend.
The appendixes include a compilation of all of the titles spotlighted throughout the book, a separate list of book that can be enjoyed by parents, and online resources for further reading recommendations.
Extras
The sidebars found throughout this book contain are extra nuggets of information:
Success Story
These boxes offer tried-and-true reading recommendations and pointers for building your literacy-rich home.
Quick Picks
These boxes are intended for busy families and suggest fast-and-friendly tips for meeting your familys reading goals.
Bookworms Beware
These boxes caution you to avoid common reading routine pitfalls, which can derail your good intentions.
Acknowledgments
I must first thank my friend and agent, Jacky Sach, who recommended me for this book, answered all of my beginner questions, and has talked me off of a ledge more than once; thank you for everything. The first real adult whoever told me I should, and could, be a writer was my eleventh-grade English teacher at Kellenberg High School, Ms. Hughes. I hope a copy of this finds you.
I am eternally grateful to Karen and Joni Templin and Kira and Anya Campbell who gave me the time, and peace of mind, I needed to complete this book. Kim Bohn, Wendy DeSarno, Elise Cosenza, and Anna Tillinghast have been endless sources of support, as have Patty and Heather Hopkins; thank you for your friendship and please feel obligated to buy many copies of this book (yes, you read that the right way).
Most sincere thanks goes to my family, especially my in-laws Mike and Kathy Coronato who havent stopped bragging about me since the day we met, and my brothers-in-law, Bob and Dean, who just keep making it harder and harder to be the star in this family. For my two sons, I hope reading is a gift I can give both of you, as you both have given me too many gifts to count. And of course, my amazing husband Tom, who hasnt seen a home-cooked meal, an ironed shirt, or a day off since I took this project on, but still keeps telling me that Im doing everything right. You are the best part of my day.
